Dupilumab in atopic dermatitis: predictors of treatment outcome and time to response

Recently, dupilumab, an anti-IL-4Rα antibody, has become available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD).1-4 Baseline patient characteristics that can be used as predictors of response to dupilumab treatment in AD patients have not yet been identified. In this retrospective multicentre observational study, based on a previous analysis that included 501 adult patients with severe AD (Eczema Area and Severity Index [EASI] ≥24 at baseline, contraindication, side-effects or failure in respect to cyclosporine according to the Italian Drug Agency [AIFA] recommendations) treated with dupilumab from ten Italian allergological/dermatological centres during September 2018-April 2020, we aimed at investigating patients’ baseline factors influencing treatment outcome and time to treatment response. No wash-out period was required. Any topical approved AD treatments were permitted as needed. Patients receiving systemic treatments during dupilumab therapy were excluded from the study.